Passing Time

Chicago Art Book Fair thrilled to present Passing Time

A question beckons, what are the times that we’re in?: the state of artists book publishing, the natural world, the measure of sound, the markers of histories. Time at this moment seems as urgent or cynical as ever for could we have all the time or no time at all? This year we’re asking how you take your time, keep its tempo, note, mark, bend, bind it?

The Chicago Art Book Fair is an international showcase of arts publishers, independent book presses, comic artists, zinemakers, printmakers, and more. Chicago Art Book Fair has served as an affordable, accessible means to access emerging art book techniques within the publishing space.

As the arts become increasingly targeted, The Chicago Art Book Fair provides a space for creators to form communities around their various practices. We support artists who are creating boundary-pushing printed media and provide a platform to feature their work to audiences in one of the country’s major cities, here in Chicago.

This year's Chicago Art Book Fair will be held November 13 - 15th 2026. Thanks to community sponsors, CABF is thrilled to provide 3 FREE booths for students who are currently enrolled in programs, 3 FREE booths for Publishers that are run by BIPOC members.

LAND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

The Chicago Art Book Fair takes place on the land of the Anishinaabe, or the Council of the Three Fires: the Ojibwe, Odawa, and Potawatomi Nations. Many other Nations consider this area their traditional homeland, including the Myaamia, Ho-Chunk, Menominee, Sac and Fox, Peoria, Kaskaskia, Wea, Kickapoo and Mascouten. We acknowledge all Native peoples who came before us and who continue to contribute to this day.

CONTACT US

Email: chicagoabf@gmail.com

Social: @chicago_art_book_fair

Identity and web design by D. Josh Cook and Oscar Solis

Application

Thank you for your support for the Chicago Art Book Fair. We are excited to bring back the full fair from November 13 – 15th. The application for the Chicago Art Book Fair is now open!

Please read the following conditions carefully. By submitting the application, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to all terms below.

After a careful review, CABF will reach out to all the applicants in mid July. We won’t be able to provide any feedback on the applications.

Apply here

FAIR DATE & VENUE

Dates & Hours:
November 13, 2026 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
November 14, 2026 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
November 15, 2026 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Venue:
TBD
Load in, shipping, parking and tear down information will be provided to accepted applicants in August.

APPLICATION TIMELINE

Application Opens: June 23, 2026 12:00 AM CST
Application Closes: July 23, 2026 11:59 PM CST
Notification of Results: August

Accepted applicants must complete payment within 3 weeks of acceptance.

AT THE FAIR

Booth locations will be arranged by the organizer according to overall venue planning. We do not accept requests for booth location preferences before or after the floor plan is finalized.

Booth location and information about the fair will be provided late September. The venue is a designated historical building and can not put anything up on the wall space. Due to capacity and space, we won’t be able to have any stands next to the tables as well. Please plan accordingly.

BOOTH TYPES

Booth $320.00
Half Booth $160.00

Includes: 120 × 60 cm table ×1, chairs ×2, passes ×2

Program

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Visit

Venue: TBD

Email: chicagoabf@gmail.com
Social: @chicago_art_book_fair